The Privatisation and Corporatisation Board (PCB) has cancelled the job announcement for the position of CEO at Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO), citing a lack of eligible applicants. The role has remained vacant since May, with the official job posting having been gazetted on 26 June.
In a statement released on X, PCB on Tuesday claimed that no eligible candidates had applied for the position. This announcement comes despite former Managing Director of MIFCO, Athif Shakoor, publicly declaring his application before the deadline. Shakoor told local news website Mihaaru that his intent to apply was to prevent the company from claiming an absence of local applicants prior to appointing a foreigner. He also emphasised the strength of the local talent pool qualified for the role.
Speculation has arisen that PCB aims to appoint a foreigner as MIFCO’s CEO, especially after the initial job posting invited ‘International’ applicants, causing a stir on social media. According to the job description, PCB is seeking a CEO who can lead MIFCO towards long-term sustainability and profitability, with a maximum monthly remuneration of $12,000 for a tenure of four years.
PCB has not yet announced a second job posting for the vacant position.
